Page 12 of Seaside Strangers
She met his eyes and gave a small shrug. “I guess we’ll find out, won’t we?”
“I guess we will. Don’t worry. With a little practice, you’ll be shooting like a pro in no time.”
Her doubtful look said she didn’t believe him, but she didn’t argue as she glanced around the parking lot. “I’m not worried about that. But is this place safe?”
Climbing out, he rounded the vehicle and offered her a hand to help her from the low seat. “Trust me, it’s safe.”
As he walked her into the shop, he became aware of her in a way he hadn’t expected. It felt… easy, having her beside him. Familiar. Her light floral scent lingered as they moved, distracting enough that he had to rein in his thoughts.
Not the time. Not the place.
She was running from an abusive ex and carried a gun. He didn’t need to get any more involved than he already was. He’d teach her how to defend herselfduring the four weeks he was there, enjoy his time off, and then he’d be gone.
He could keep his libido in check for a month.
End of story.
Yeah, right. Keep dreaming,
The inside of Big Al’s was quiet, aside from the muffled pop of gunfire drifting up from the basement range. The scent of gunpowder and oil hung in the air, and KC took a deep breath of the familiar mix.
Al stood behind a locked display case filled with every imaginable type of legal weapon. Shelves behind him were stacked with ammunition and cleaning supplies. He was about six feet tall and pushing three hundred pounds—hence the name—and wore what looked like a permanent scowl.
Maura went rigid and slowed her steps.
KC understood. Al had the kind of face you didn’t want to run into in a dark alley… or anywhere else.
Then the big guy spotted them. His expression broke into a grin, and the transformation was instant. The scowl vanished, his features softening in a way that almost made him look like a different man.
“Hey, KC, my man! I didn’t know you were in town. How’s it hanging?”
Al extended his mitt of a hand to KC, who gave it a hearty shake. “Great, Al. I’m on leave for four weeks. I got in last night. How’ve you been?”
“I’m doing better now that you brought this beautiful lady in to see me.” He waggled his eyebrows at Maura, who visibly relaxed and smiled at the teasing.
KC leaned down, his mouth near her ear, lowering his voice to a stage whisper meant to be overheard. “Gotta be careful around Al. He’s the world’s biggest flirt, and women can’t seem to resist his charm. It’s a wonder his wife, Theresa, hasn’t kicked him out yet.”
Maura laughed softly. “I’ll have to remember that.”
Straightening, KC gestured between them. “Maura, this is Al. Al, this is Maura. She’s renting my uncle’s beach house.”
Al flicked a glance at KC, then back to Maura, surprise flashing across his face. “Really? You must’ve made quite an impression on the old man. Dan doesn’t rent that place out to just anyone.”
Maura’s smile turned a little sassy. “So I’ve heard. It’s nice to meet you, Al.”
“Nice to meet you, too, pretty lady.” He gave her a quick wink. “And for what it’s worth, Theresa knows I’m a flirt—but I’ve never strayed. I’m too smart to mess up a good thing.” He tapped the counter. “Now, what can I do for you today?”
“She needs some range time,” KC said. “Figured I’d bring her in as my guest.”
“No problem.” Al opened a drawer beneath the counter and pulled out a form and a pen. “Just sign the waiver, and you’re good to head downstairs.”
Ten minutes later, Maura stood in a narrow shooting lane, the faint tang of gunpowder and oil clinging to the air. The low hum of the ventilation system pulled the smoke downrange, but the scent lingered, sharp and familiar. Her Smith & Wesson 9mm sat on the shelf in front of her, the muzzle pointed down range. Two men KC didn’t recognize stood at another lane, talking.
He stepped in behind her, leaning in slightly over her right shoulder. “We’ll start at this distance, and as you improve, we’ll move it back, okay?”
“Okay. You’re the boss.”
KC nearly groaned as his body reacted to her nearness. He shifted his stance, putting a little space between them, and forced his focus back where it belonged.
